Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE

Diamond certified company PROFILE

Tom Amitay, District Manager

NRG Clean Power provides a wide range of solar services for residential and commercial clients in Santa Cruz County, the South Bay, and the East Bay. The company installs and maintains solar systems made by industry leaders like SolarWorld and Lennox, and it also offers energy efficiency upgrades like solar roofing, attic fans, pool pumps and insulation.

District Manager Tom Amitay says much of NRG Clean Power’s success is due to its customer-oriented approach to the solar process. “We want every job to have a personal feel, so we make sure to communicate clearly and quickly respond to any questions our clients have. This isn’t just a business for us—we care about our customers and want to help them save money while simultaneously helping the environment.”

NRG Clean Power backs every solar installation with a lifetime labor warranty and offers numerous financing options for the convenience of its clients. “With most financing options, we don’t get paid until the job is complete and the lender approves the work,” explains Mr. Amitay. “That way, we can ensure our clients are completely satisfied before moving on, which they really appreciate.”

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON NRG Clean Power

The Zambrano family stands in front of their newly solar-fitted home.

Company Profile

NRG Clean Power provides a wide range of solar services for residential and commercial clients in Santa Cruz County, the South Bay, and the East Bay. The company installs and maintains solar systems made by industry leaders like SolarWorld and Lennox, and it also offers energy efficiency upgrades like solar roofing, attic fans, pool pumps and insulation.

District Manager Tom Amitay says much of NRG Clean Power’s success is due to its customer-oriented approach to the solar process. “We want every job to have a personal feel, so we make sure to communicate clearly and quickly respond to any questions our clients have. This isn’t just a business for us—we care about our customers and want to help them save money while simultaneously helping the environment.”

NRG Clean Power backs every solar installation with a lifetime labor warranty and offers numerous financing options for the convenience of its clients. “With most financing options, we don’t get paid until the job is complete and the lender approves the work,” explains Mr. Amitay. “That way, we can ensure our clients are completely satisfied before moving on, which they really appreciate.”

Company Philosophy

“We believe the future is clean, Green energy, and we’re committed to bringing that to our clients in the most efficient ways possible. We were around long before the solar wave, and with our devotion to sustainability and energy efficiency, we’ll be around long after as well.”

Comparative Summary

Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for solar companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For NRG Clean Power, the best way to achieve customer satisfaction is to utilize its versatile solar capabilities to effectively handle each phase of its clients’ projects. “I’ve been around since 1987, long before solar became so popular, so I bring a firm foundation to every job,” says District Manager Tom Amitay. “My clients know I’m going to do everything I can to take care of them, and that makes them more comfortable and confident with the entire process.”

NRG Clean Power has been providing solar services for residential and commercial clients in Santa Cruz County, the South Bay, and the East Bay since 2011. The company installs and maintains solar systems made by industry leaders like SolarWorld and Lennox, and it also has the training and equipment to offer energy efficiency upgrades like solar roofing, attic fans, and pool pumps.

Unlike solar companies that lack industry experience and have to limit their services as a result, NRG Clean Power has the in-house capabilities to effectively handle a broad range of work. “I work with many talented subcontractors, so I’m able to go beyond solar installations and take on related jobs like roofing and HVAC installations,” says Mr. Amitay. “I offer my clients complete packages that address energy efficiency in every area of their homes, and that really makes this company stand out.”

Another distinguishing attribute of NRG Clean Power is its precise approach to system design. “I design each system to match the home’s specific energy needs,” explains Mr. Amitay. “When a system isn’t designed correctly, it can result in excess energy accumulation, which doesn’t really benefit the homeowner. By carefully calculating energy usage, I’m able to design systems that are both practical and efficient.”

Industry Info

If you’re planning to install a solar power system, you’ll need to decide whether to lease or own.

“Homeowners have the choice of either leasing or purchasing a solar energy system,” says Tom Amitay of NRG Clean Power in San Jose. “I always recommend going with the latter. With all the financing options available today, purchasing a system is easy and affordable. Plus, there are several benefits of owning a system as opposed to leasing one.”

Mr. Amitay says many homeowners are attracted to the leasing option because they assume it’s more affordable, but this is somewhat of a misconception. “Many people assume that since they don’t have a down payment, they’ll have to lease, but there are plenty of financing programs that let you purchase a system with zero money down. Furthermore, a lot of people don’t realize that when you lease a system, you’re locked into a 20-year payment plan with a small annual increase: about 3 percent each year. So, when you consider the long term, monthly payment plans for purchasing are often more affordable than those for leasing.”

According to Mr. Amitay, another downside of leasing is the forfeiture of financial benefits like government incentives. “The federal government currently offers a 30 percent tax credit to homeowners who install solar energy systems, but if you lease, you don’t get it,” he explains. Additionally, Mr. Amitay says that when you lease, you have less control over what kind of design or equipment you get. “Solar leasing companies are concerned about the bottom line, so they often install cheap, low-grade solar panels. When you purchase a system, you have the power to choose top-tier equipment that’s going to give you better long-term performance.”

In addition to circumventing the many drawbacks of leasing, owning a solar energy system offers another substantial benefit by increasing the value of your home. “Unlike a leased system, which, according to studies, can complicate the sale of a home, an owned system is almost guaranteed to increase its value,” affirms Mr. Amitay. “Since the electricity generated by an owned system is the property of the homeowner, it’s considered an asset. With a leased system, that power is owned by the leasing company. Basically, by purchasing a solar system, you’re not only reducing your energy costs, you’re also building equity into your home.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know a solar system is going to save me money?A: Besides the fact that your system will be custom-designed to do just that, each system I install comes with a 30-year production guarantee. In other words, I promise in writing that you’ll save money for at least 30 years.

Q: What kind of performance should I expect from my solar panels over time?A: Any solar panel’s performance is going to degrade slightly over time. For example, my panels have a degradation rate of 0.35 percent per year, which is really good. By the end of the 30-year warranty period, my panels are guaranteed to be performing at a minimum rate of 86 percent.

Q: What kinds of solar panels do you install?A: I only install panels that are manufactured in the United States.

Q: What if I need to replace my roof in the future?A: My solar panels are on tracks, which makes them easy to remove and replace. I only charge a labor fee to remove and reinstall panels for a re-roofing project.

Q: Can I install a larger solar system and sell my excess energy back to PG&E?A: Yes, but I don’t recommend it. If you’re just doing it to make extra money, it’s not really worthwhile because PG&E will only pay you pennies on the dollar.

SELECTED PHOTOS FROM NRG Clean Power

NRG Clean Power installed this 6kW solar system for the Flath family in San Jose.

NRG Clean Power installed this 8.5kW solar system for the Ting family in San Jose.

NRG Clean Power

A recent solar system installation in Santa Clara

Shares

DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Tom Amitay

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Tom Amitay is district manager of NRG Clean Power, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (831) 708-8978 or by email.

Tom Amitay: A Powerful Opportunity

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

CANOGA PARK — Tom Amitay was pursuing a career in finance, but when he saw the opportunity presented by the burgeoning solar industry, he decided to get in on the action. “From a financial standpoint, I was struck by the growth potential of the solar industry,” he affirms. “However, I was also attracted to the fact that it was clean energy, which made it not only lucrative but something that would actually benefit the planet. It wasn’t long before I left my finance job and started doing sales for a solar company.”

Today, as district manager of NRG Clean Power, Tom says his favorite part of his job is passing on the benefits of solar to his customers. “Working in solar gives me an opportunity to make a living by helping people save money. Not only that, I’m also helping save energy and reduce pollution, so it gives me a good feeling to know I’m having a positive impact.”

Despite being born in the United States, Tom grew up in Israel, where his parents were originally from. After serving in the Israeli army, he returned to the U.S. and resides today in San Jose, where he says he appreciates the cutting-edge atmosphere. “I really like the innovative environment we have here. No matter how far we come with technology, there’s a feeling that we can go further and do more.”

Outside of work, Tom likes to stay active with pastimes like playing basketball and hiking on local trails. He also enjoys going to the movies and hanging out with friends.

In his life and career, Tom espouses the value of perseverance. “I believe that if you work hard, good things will happen for you,” he explains. “I’ve experienced that in my own life—I started at the bottom and worked my way up, and it has been well worth it. I continue to work hard in my current position and look forward to my future progress.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Tom says he’d see the world. “I’d probably travel for a while. Maybe I’d do a tour of Europe—I haven’t been yet, so that seems like a good place to start.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The Golden State Warriors.

Q: What kinds of movies do you like?
A: Action movies.

Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “Game of Thrones.”

Q: What’s one website you visit on a daily basis?
A: Facebook.

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The future—maybe 20 years from now just to see what technology is like.

Expert articles

A Little-Known Fact about Solar Panels

by Tom Amitay, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

CANOGA PARK — While most people have a rough idea of how solar power works, there are still a few little-known facts about solar panels and how they function. For example, when solar panels are installed, they’re not in direct contact with the roof; rather, there’s typically a 5- to 6-inch gap between the panels and the roof. This is no coincidence—it serves a functional purpose.

To maximize sun absorption, solar panels are usually installed on the hottest area of the roof. This offers the added benefit of blocking sunlight from directly hitting the roof, which reduces heat transfer into the home’s interior. Furthermore, the gap between the panels and the roof creates a cool airflow space, which further insulates the home from the sun. In this way, solar panels not only convert sunlight into energy for the home, they also naturally lower the home’s indoor temperature on hot days.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Tom Amitay: So, a lot of people are not aware, but the solar panels are actually not going directly on the roof. Usually, there is about five to six-inch cap from the panels and to the roof. And usually the panels will go on the hottest spot on the roof. So, especially on a hot area houses that are second-story. By doing that, you also creating another installation there because the sun won’t hit directly the roof and there’s also a lot of air flow underneath. So, usually on hot areas it’s also helping to cool down the temperature in the house a lot during the hot summer days.

COMPANY WEBSITE

COMPANY CONTACT

NRG Clean Power

Diamond Certified RATINGS ON NRG Clean Power

Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise

NRG Clean Power

66 SURVEYS

RATING

4 CONSECUTIVE YEARS SINCEJune 2016CERT2367

DIAMOND CERTIFIED PERFORMANCE GUARANTEED

Diamond certified ratings dashboard

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
i

Customer LOYALTY
i

Helpful Expertise
i

Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

Company Credentials
i

Workers Compensation

Liability Insurance

License Verification

Business Practices

Current Complaint File

Legal & Finance

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 66 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS
i

NRG Clean Power:
Average 9.1 out of 10 based on 66 unique customer surveys of customer satisfaction.

Michael F.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

1
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

My system is top-notch quality.

The installation went smoothly and quickly. They use quality materials that are guaranteed to last a long time.

Clarence W.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

2
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They did a really good job. They have great programs that help with installations, they were responsive to the project, and they were easy to work with.

We had an issue with the layout, but they took care of it right away. I think that's what I liked best.

Ruben M.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

3
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They do everything that they say they are going to do, and they do it in a professional manner. They do it in a timely manner.

I like the way that I am going to save a lot of money, and I am going to save the world some more energy. It also has good resale value.

Alex A.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

4
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They do good work, very professional people.

They are passionate about what they are doing.

Sara B.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

5
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I think they were amazing, "10s" across the board.

They were really efficient in every aspect.

Judith G.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

6
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were thorough and addressed all concerns when we had issues with panels that weren't leaning to the sun properly. They fixed it and now it's great. Everything else was perfect, last year PG&E was only $59.

Two employees that were super professional and nice to work with, one was a project manager and the other was our saleswoman.

Silvia G.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

7
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were amazing, for the sales to the project, they were able to address many main concerns and give us estimates on overall return of cost VS savings, they were great.

They did what they said, everything ended up the way it was supposed to.

Tracy G.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

8
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would use them if you are in need of their services, they do a good job.

They were very professional and polite.

David H.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

9
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were very professional, very honest about their stance on our wants versus what would actually be most efficient with the placement and set up of the panels. They were really good.

They were not scared to give their honest opinion.

Dale I.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

10
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would say to others that they can trust the advice the salespeople give, they hire the type of salespeople who are looking for the biggest deal possible, they care about the most efficient system for your life style. The project managers are amazing at follow-ups and ensuring things piece together.

They were a great team, very professional.

Darlene K.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

11
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were able to achieve everything we wanted, their sales and project management teams are amazing, they were true professionals.

How professional and informative they were

Kevin K.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

12
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Give them a shot, they are willing to work hard to make sure you're satisfied. We are very happy with the results we are getting.

Their willingness to come back multiple times to make sure we are getting the most out of our solution

Larry M.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

13
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I thought they were good. I would recommend them. The sales girl, I forget her name, was extremely helpful.

They were on time, and delivered what they said.

Doug M.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

14
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I thought the work was done efficiently, the pre-installation teams were very good, gave me a lot of great information. I would recommend them and have.

The end result was the best thing, everything turned out.

McMullen P.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

15
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They have done an excellent job throughout the whole process, they are very thoughtful, and very honest, can help you with design aspects if needed. Overall, we were really satisfied with the results.

They just have an overall results-driven process.

Maria R.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

16
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would recommend them to others, they are really knowledgeable.

They were honest and able to fix our issue, made some future recommendations.

Joe S.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

17
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I feel that if you are in the market for new solar, they are a good choice.

They were very good at keeping us up to date on the timeline.

Martin S.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

18
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I recommend them highly, they did a great job for us, they stop by periodically to check up on things.

It's nice they care enough to stop and check on the equipment.

Beverly W.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

19
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were just amazing, from start to finish, the most professional people around. I think they would be hard to compete against.

They were professional, honest, and efficient. I mean everything you would want in a company working on solar.

Will Z.

VERIFIED NRG Clean Power CUSTOMER

20
of
66

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I enjoyed working with them all, everything turned out great. We now save so much on electricity, it's insane.